Browlift / Forehead Lift

Visual communication with those around us is encoded in numerous subtle movements within our faces. Many of these movements are centered around the eyes and brows. As we grow older, the effects of gravity cast shadows across our faces that mask this ability to express ourselves. The forehead and brow tissues become loose and the eyebrows descend, giving a hooded, stern, or drawn expression.Permanent forehead wrinkles and vertical frown lines begin to appear as imprints from the ravages of time. By changing the structure of the face, the false impression of a person who is constantly worried, angry or fatigued can be given. The wrong messages are conveyed.

One simple procedure will cast a light over these shadows and leave you looking younger and more refreshed. A Browlift performed with the expertise and artistry of Dr. Jugenburg at Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute will allow the person within to blossom once again.

Will a Browlift work for me?

If you find that your brows are saggy, heavy looking, or that your forehead looks tired, a Browlift can provide an opportunity to not only reverse the wrinkling and loss of tone and shape in your brow, but can also change a heavy or asymmetrical brow. A Browlift, otherwise known as Forehead Lift or Browplasty, is also often combined with Upper Eyelid Surgery(Blepharoplasty), as descended eyebrows normally contribute to drooping eyelids.

Aesthetic Benefits of Browlift Surgery

The benefits of surgery may include:

Raising the eyebrows to a more alert and youthful appearance

Improving a heavy brow to brighten the face

Repositioning a low or sagging brow that is hooding the upper eyelid

Minimizing wrinkles that develop across the forehead, or high on the bridge of the nose

Improving frownlines, vertical creases that develop between the eyebrows

Correcting asymmetry (unevenness) of the eyebrows

The art of achieving a natural, younger appearance based on the individual needs of each patient requires the expertise of a skilled and compassionate surgeon. At the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute, Dr. Jugenburg and his staff take great pride in dedicating themselves to achieving optimal results that will leave you looking and feeling rejuvenated.

The Browlift Procedure

There are a number of different techniques for performing Browlift surgery. Since each approach is designed to address a different type of problem, you can be confident that there is a treatment that can be specifically tailored to you and your needs. The technique that Dr. Jurgenburg uses will depend on your age, facial structure, current eyebrow position, and on what is possible to maximize your appearance.

The different Browlift surgery methods are:

A Coronal Browlift is performed by making a long incision behind the hairline and beautifully elevating the entire forehead, brow area and hairline. In female patients without any thinning of the hair, it is an effective way for Dr. Jugenburg to address moderate to major brow drooping. The advantage of this technique is that incisions are not made on the forehead and the scar is well hidden by hair.

The Pretrichial Browlift requires a long, discreet incision just in front of the hairline. Dr. Jugenburg elevates loose forehead skin, leaving the height of the hairline unchanged. Eyebrow shape and asymmetry can be addressed and the scar, once healed, is virtually undetectable. This procedure is ideal for female patients who want to both lift the eyebrows and raise and shorten the forehead. If shortening of the forehead is undesirable, however, the TrichialBrowlift is a variation of this technique where the length of the forehead is left unchanged.

A Direct Browlift requires making an incision following the length of each eyebrow. This approach is typically reserved for male patients, particularly those with male pattern baldness. Using this technique, Dr. Jugenburg elevates a sagging brow, while tightening and smoothing the forehead, by pulling the skin and tissue of the forehead down, rather than up. The hairline is lowered, which is ideal for patients with a receding hairline and/or a high forehead. DrJugenburg conceals the scar behind the eyebrow hair and can precisely address eyebrow shape and asymmetry. An ideal patient for the technique is one with forehead wrinkles which are used to hide the scars.

A Midforehead Browlift is especially useful in male patients with a prominent forehead crease. In this approach, Dr. Jugenburg makes an incision along the forehead crease and elevates the eyebrows as desired. Eyebrow shape and asymmetry can be addressed, and the scar is nicely concealed. Since this technique does not involve the skin of the whole forehead, the position of the hairline is unaffected. This is advantageous if a higher hairline would be undesirable. The procedure can also be easily performed under light sedation or local anesthesia.

An Endoscopic Browlift is minimally invasive and performed with only 3 to 5 small incisions made just above the hairline. Please note, however, that Dr. Jugenburg does not perform Endoscopic Browlifts.

Recovery after a Browlift

Following surgery you will have a supporting bandage around your forehead. Bruising and swelling will be most noticeable after the first day and will slowly subside after that. Some natural fatigue may also persist for 2 to 3 days, due to the normal effects of the anesthesia and surgical procedure. For at least two weeks after the procedure, you will be asked to avoid any strenuous physical activity and all activities that raise your blood pressure. Patients are usually comfortable returning to their normal routine after this time. If you work in an office setting, however, you should be able to return to work after a few days.

Patients will return to see Dr. Jugenburg the day after surgery and at regular intervals thereafter. This is done to ensure that Dr. Jugenburg can properly monitor your recovery, and make each patient’s experience smooth and safe, with the best result possible.

Your Browlift Consultation

The decision to have a Browlift is extremely personal. During the consultation you will discuss the reasons for wanting Browlift surgery and will undergo a thorough medical check-up. We will provide you with all the information you will need to decide in your own time if the benefits of Browlift will achieve your goals. You will also have the opportunity to view our state-of-the-art facilities and meet with our team of friendly and experienced staff.

Meet Your Doctor Today

Complementary Cosmetic Procedures

Faceliftto correct undesirable changes in the mid- to lower face and neck regions

Browlift is often combined with Upper Eyelid Surgery as heavy, descended eyebrows generally contribute to the appearance of sagging in the eyelids. If your reasons for considering a Browlift are fine lines or other related problematic areas, Botox and/or the use of fillers might offer non-surgical alternatives. Botox can also be used after some Browlift procedures to increase the effects of surgery.

Browlift vs. Eyelid Surgery: What Would Be The Best Treatment For Me?

Aging affects the entire face, yet it is most noticeable in the area around the eyes. For many, the combination of Browlift and Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty) therefore become an effective solution for a more youthful and refreshed appearance. So, how to choose what is the best option for you?

Addressing each of the individual components of the aging process is a finely balanced and complex process. Since the soft tissue of the brow interacts with the soft tissue of the eyelid, lifting the brow often affects the laxity of the eyelid skin. Similarly, refining the upper eyelid areas may also pull the eyebrows even lower. If used and performed correctly, however, Browlift and Upper Eyelid Surgery are not in direct competition, but are instead complementary.

Each procedure can address different problems associated with facial aging:

A Browlift will elevate the eyebrows to their proper position (depending on patient’s objectives), bringing a refreshed look.

Frown muscles can also be surgically reduced at the time of Browlift, minimizing the vertical furrows between the brows.

Any remaining true upper eyelid skin excess and protruding fat pads can be addressed via Upper Eyelid Surgery, at the time of Browlift
surgery, or separately.

Loose skin and hooding of the upper eyelid areas may be correctable via Upper Eyelid Surgery alone, or may require Browlift.

At the Toronto Cosmetic Surgery Institute the needs of each patient are always determined and an individualized plan for treatment is offered. Depending on the patient, the treatment required may be Upper Eyelid Surgery, Browlift, or possibly both procedures. Get in touch here to schedule a thorough analysis of your eye area with Dr. Jugenburg.

Brow Lift Surgery FAQs

A Browlift procedure will elevate heavy, drooping eyebrows, improve forehead wrinkles and frown lines, and can lift excess, sagging upper eyelid skin. If any of these concerns affect you, you may benefit from a Browlift.

This is the medical term for a drooping eyebrow. This can cause significant overhang of upper eyelid skin over the lashes and interfere with the visual function or appear unsightly. It usually occurs on both sides, but can be asymmetrical, appearing only on one side.

A suitable Browlift patient is generally in good health, a non-smoker, and is able to avoid blood-thinning medications for two weeks before surgery. He or she has low and heavy eyebrows, and may be aware of looking tired, angry, or worried much of the time.

Someone concerned with the following facial characteristics may be suitable for Browlift
surgery:

Sagging or low positioning of eyebrows, which has created a sad appearance

Deep horizontal creases across the forehead

Frown lines, or furrows, between the eyebrows and high on the bridge of the nose

Someone concerned with the following characteristics may not be suitable for Browlift
surgery:

Puffy bags beneath the eyes (Lower Eyelid Surgery may be a suitable option)

A variety of different techniques are available to a skilled cosmetic surgeon in order to approach the needs of each patient on an individual basis. An Endoscopic Browlift may not be suitable for some patients, as it may, for example, result in elevating the patient's hairline higher than is cosmetically desired. Moreover, if a patient is not a candidate for this procedure, it is because another surgical method would be a better option.

Different people have quite different physical characteristics and expectations. Before performing a Browlift, Dr. Jugenburg always takes all necessary factors into account in order to achieve optimum results that will leave your appearance rejuvenated.

A modified Pretrichial Browlift can be used to lower the hairline, while still providing the benefits of a standard Browlift. In this case, a narrow strip of excess skin is removed from just below the hairline, the scalp is stretched downward, and the hairline is lowered. With Dr. Jugenburg’s surgical skills and meticulous closure techniques, thereafter the scar is often difficult to see.

A Browlift is a surgical procedure, and all surgical procedures carry some risks. With regards to a Browlift, there are special considerations that need to be taken into account. These are dependent on which surgical technique is chosen and will be discussed during a pre-operative consultation with Dr. Jugenburg. Complications might include irritation of the nerve that provides sensation to the forehead, bleeding, and asymmetry between the two sides. Such complications are rare and usually resolve without leaving any long-lasting abnormalities. In some cases, further surgery may be required to ensure ideal results. Keep in mind that almost all patients have some temporary numbness of the forehead and/or scalp after surgery.

The various options available to you will be discussed in detail during a consultation with Dr. Jugenburg. These will depend on your needs, expectations, face structure, and any previous surgery. Dr. Jugenburg will determine the best approach to maximize your appearance.

Botox can be used to paralyze the muscles that keep the eyebrows low, allowing them to rise. This effect is mild, however - surgery is much more effective at raising the brows. The effects of Botox also last only a few months, whereas the effects of Browlift are generally permanent. Injection of a filler just beneath the brow might provide an alternative non-surgical approach to achieve mild brow elevation.

Depending on your needs and expectations, the treatment required may be Browlift, Upper Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty), or possibly both procedures. The careful analysis performed by Dr. Jugenburg prior to surgery is essential in determining the best approach for each patient.

If visual function is impaired by sagging upper eyelid or brow skin, such that a Browlift and/or Upper Eyelid surgery is required out of necessity, an insurance company may reimburse the patient. The patient would need to see an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) first, to prove that excess skin actually interferes with their vision.

You will most likely be deeply sedated during the procedure, which means you will be completely asleep and comfortable. In an occasional patient undergoing a Mid-forehead Browlift, local anesthesia may instead be used.

You will have mild soreness and tightness of your forehead. These symptoms are easily controlled with medications that Dr. Jugenburg will prescribe for you. Approximately 10% of patients have headaches for up to 24 hours after surgery.

The technique that you and Dr. Jugenburg choose to perform your Browlift will be the one most likely to provide you with optimal results and the least visible scarring. In most cases, any scarring will fade over a period of three to six months after surgery and be completely hidden by hair.

Although most patients will be back on their feet after a few days, it is preferable to allow one to two weeks for swelling and bruising to resolve before returning to a normal routine. Strenuous exercise, any activity that raises your blood pressure, and exposure to the sun should be avoided for two weeks to a month after surgery. Recovery time may also vary from patient to patient depending on their physical fitness.

The benefits of Browlift surgery will last indefinitely, and revision surgery is rare. Occasionally, patients will want their brows raised even higher, which can be accomplished by revision surgery. When the average patient looks in the mirror, they’ll usually pay particular attention to how much brow elevation they think is necessary to create a more youthful and refreshed appearance. But the reality is that the maximum amount of elevation possible is 1 cm, at most. In most cases, even less elevation is
actually needed.